ifIknew is a health initiative for young adults that uses a multi media approach, including social media and in person programs, to address the contemporary issues that impact the well-being, self-image, careers, and relationships of people in their 20's and 30's.

If I Knew is a prevention education project that raises awareness about risky behaviors that can profoundly impact lives.

Alone Time: Let’s Invest in the Most Important Relationship, The One with Ourselves.

Call your mother. Kiss your boyfriend. Get coffee with your best friend. Have a drink with a co-worker. Ask your boss pointed questions. We all do so much to maintain and deepen our relationships. It’s increasingly important to ensure every relationship in our lives is thriving and nurtured.
This is wonderful. It’s important to treat people well and to make sure they are treating you well, too. Great. Now that we’ve agreed on that, what about that other relationship you are in? The one with that awesome person you see every (space) day as you are brushing your teeth? The one who shares your habits, your parents, your birthday? You, of course.

It’s true that all relationships take a fair amount of TLC, but often we spread ourselves so thin thinking of others and carefully nurturing all of our relationships. It’s important to remember to take care of ourselves as well. That can mean many things, but one of the first steps to ensuring a beautiful relationship with yourself is to spend some time alone. If it feels like you are always at work, school, or socializing- that may be a sign than that you need a break. When was the last time you took a walk? Not even just for exercise (though that’s great, too), but just to hear your own thoughts and take in this wonderful world.

Once you’ve spent some (space) time alone with yourself, ask yourself questions. Get to know this person with whom you share a body and mind. Check-in. Does the body have wants and needs that are not being fulfilled? Does the mind? How can you be an active participant in getting those wants and needs met?

The road to self-awareness and self-love is a long one. People are often hesitant to give up time working on other things, for other people. But the truth is, the more you check in with yourself-(delete dash) to make sure you are doing well, the better shape you will be in to be an active advocate for the wellness of others.